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laurachese's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
syntaxx's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
I enjoyed this middle grade novel about a half Hindu half Muslim boy who seeks to free his mother, who has been wrongfully imprisoned in an Indian jail. I really liked his friendship with Rani, a slightly older Roma girl. Jay the parrot was fun too, although I did find myself freeing over whether he would be OK at certain parts (spoiler alert he’s fine and makes it to the end unscathed.)
ashleyeila's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
heidisreads's review
4.0
Powerful and accessible.
A young boy, Kabir, was born in a jail in India and it’s all he knows until the day the warden releases him (without his mother) and he’s forced to face a world he knows little about. With the help of a new friend, he realizes he’s determined to find his place in the world - no matter where he came from.
A young boy, Kabir, was born in a jail in India and it’s all he knows until the day the warden releases him (without his mother) and he’s forced to face a world he knows little about. With the help of a new friend, he realizes he’s determined to find his place in the world - no matter where he came from.
shaundell's review
4.0
Kabir has been in jail since the day he was born. Living in Pakistan offers few freedoms to people and their children who have been convicted of a crime. After nine years, he is told he is leaving - out on the streets to fend for himself. He learns about his father and family and himself while doing the seemingly impossible.
veka's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The author wrote the characters in a way that made it so easy to love or hate them. The child voice of the narrator made you want to hope and cry with them. Beautiful story.
staciam's review
5.0
Couldn’t decide between 4 or 5 stars… but I didn’t want to put this book down!! The audio version is great!
paperbacksandpines's review
3.0
Born Behind Bars is a heartfelt story of what life can be like for untouchables in India. Although I knew the caste system was officially abolished in 1950, I was unaware that it is still going strong today. The events in this story seem to unbelievable to be true but yet they are.
Learning about India's "justice" system and the prejudice toward the poor and undesirables such as the Romani people and India's lowest caste was eye opening. I only picked this up because one of this year's Middle Grade March's book prompts was to read a book set in Asia. I am glad I read this book because it expanded my worldview.
My only criticism of this book is that everything wrapped up a little too neatly in a bow to be considered believable. Kabir seemed to have so many obstacles that seemed impossible to overcome. The resolution of the story was too abrupt and that's why I'm taking off a star in my rating.
Learning about India's "justice" system and the prejudice toward the poor and undesirables such as the Romani people and India's lowest caste was eye opening. I only picked this up because one of this year's Middle Grade March's book prompts was to read a book set in Asia. I am glad I read this book because it expanded my worldview.
My only criticism of this book is that everything wrapped up a little too neatly in a bow to be considered believable. Kabir seemed to have so many obstacles that seemed impossible to overcome. The resolution of the story was too abrupt and that's why I'm taking off a star in my rating.
thenextgenlibrarian's review
5.0
“Butterflies look so delicate, but they’re strong. And brave. And smart. No one teaches them how to use their new wings. But they’re ready to try, all on their own.”